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BRICS at 20, Time for a New Beginning : Modi Calls for Ambitious Agenda for Next 20 Years
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a strong call for reforming the global governance system at the 18th BRICS Summit, urging member countries to work towards a more inclusive, representative and people-centric international order. Highlighting India’s BRICS chairship, Modi said it is guided by the principles of “People First” and “Humanity First”, while describing BRICS’ 20-year journey as a historic milestone.
He called for an ambitious new agenda for the next two decades, saying the grouping must evolve with changing global realities and emerging challenges. With the BRICS presidency changing every year, Modi proposed strengthening the Troika mechanism to ensure continuity in initiatives, decisions and outcomes, so that important programmes do not lose momentum when the chairship changes.
He also proposed creating a secure digital repository to track every BRICS decision, including its designated nodal point, timeline and implementation status, allowing member countries to monitor progress more effectively.
Calling for a transformation of global governance from a “pyramid of privileges” into a “platform of partnership,” Modi stressed that the Global South must receive greater representation and a stronger voice in global decision-making. He proposed preparing 10 concrete recommendations on global governance reforms before the next BRICS Summit and developing them into a BRICS Reform Roadmap, with representation, responsiveness and rule-making identified as key priorities. Modi also highlighted the need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions, including changes in voting rights and leadership structures to reflect today’s economic realities.
He stressed that emerging and critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space and biotechnology will shape the future and called for greater participation of the Global South in developing international rules and norms governing these sectors.
Beyond institutional reforms, the Prime Minister also proposed BRICS initiatives to train and empower a new generation of young diplomats and policymakers, strengthening their understanding of global affairs and preparing them to contribute to international decision-making.
His message at the summit reflected India’s push for a global system that is more representative, responsive and aligned with the aspirations of developing nations, with BRICS positioned as an important platform for shaping that transformation.
